Archcore: Echoes of Ion

[10] - [A Promise For Me]

[P.C. 085]

Sitting within the cockpit of the Raven, Azuma kept his hands gripped firmly on the controls as he tried to keep his focus. The cockpit interior slowly began roaring to life, struggling at first, it soon began to pick up.

"Sync rate is currently at 72." Licca's voice rang throughout the cockpit.

"Increase your sync rate." Wallace said as he stood beside Azuma. He took a quick look back at Wallace before he continued trying to concentrate.

Taking in a deep breath, Azuma felt a sensation move throughout his whole body. His mind moved throughout multiple thoughts at once as his heart began to speed up, "More, Azuma." Wallace said.

"Sync rate 83." Licca said.

"Keep going, Azuma."

"I... I can't..." Azuma said as he lost focus. Wallace just looked at Azuma for a few moments, "Licca, what was the highest sync rate?"

"Highest sync rate was at 84."

"Impressive."

Azuma looked at Wallace, "Really? Thank you sir."

"I meant the Raven, Azuma."

Azuma quickly looked away from Wallace, "R-right, of course."

The Raven was returned to the hangar and Azuma was taken as well. As for Wallace, he met with Proxima in her office, presenting her with Licca's tablet, "This is all the information from the test." Wallace said as Proxima took the tablet, "At this moment, Azuma's highest sync rate was only at 84."

"Would it be possible to go again?" Proxima asked.

"Not without him experiencing some resistance from the machine. Azuma is worn out today, if we continue, there will be complications and he may die if forced to raise his sync rate."

Proxima handed the tablet back to Wallace, "Then that's all for Lynx until he's ready. Have Licca and the others erase all the data from today."

Wallace said nothing as he took the tablet, giving Proxima a quick bow before leaving her office. Taking a moment for herself, Proxima leaned back into her chair and closed her eyes, "How many more times?" Proxima asked herself. Turning on her computer, the screen displayed an image of Azuma, "How long before you'll be ready, Lynx?"

[Present Day]
[Two Weeks Later]

"Azuma."

Looking up, Azuma turned to see Helena standing a few feet away from him. Turning his head forward again, Azuma looked at the large statue at the center of a fountain, "Where's your head at?" Helena asked as she came closer.

"I... what?" Azuma asked.

"I'm asking what you're thinking about. You're looking at the fountain, but I can tell even at a distance that's not what it is you're really looking at."

"Anyway, I came to tell you that Raven is nearing its completion with the repairs."

"That's good to know."

Azuma went silent again. Helena had just thought of walking away, but decided she'd rather sit beside Azuma. As she did, he gave no reaction as his mind seemed to go elsewhere again, "There's something definitely on your mind." Helena said, "Could it be that loss to Noir?" Still, Azuma said nothing. Uncertain of what else she could say, Helena ran one of her hands through her hair, "You're getting really annoying right now, Azuma."

"I am? Sorry."

Helena just sighed and got up. Taking one last look at Azuma, Helena walked away, already giving up on making Azuma talk to her.